Glacial history and water give Grafton a distinctive perspective for exploration. At Loon's Glacial Caves and the Polar Caves, you can see how glacial processes shaped granite landscapes in different ways. There are also gorges, lakes, and attractions that draw attention to nature, history, and culture.
Rock, Ice, and Flowing Water
Loon's Glacial Caves were formed by granite boulders deposited during the last ice age. At the Polar Caves, large granite boulders became detached from Hawk's Cliff as a continental glacier melted. Both accounts lead to granite but emphasize different processes: deposited boulders in one case, and the detachment of large rock masses in the other. This helps distinguish two glacial processes rather than combining them into a single origin story.
Water has also shaped the rocks: at Sculptured Rocks Natural Area, the Cockermouth River cut a narrow gorge into the bedrock on its way to Newfound Lake. The natural area covers 272 acres. At Kinsman Notch, a boardwalk at Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves runs alongside the Lost River. The site is on Route 112, which runs west. If you would like to search for gemstones in the sluice at Lost River Mining Company for an additional fee beyond admission, this offers another activity to add to your visit to the gorge.
Another connection to the landscape can be found at Franconia Notch: a unique parkway runs through the mountain pass. Franconia Notch State Park is in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. This combination of pass, parkway, and forest makes Franconia Notch a distinct nature destination within the trip.
Lakes, Beaches, and Views
At Newfound Lake, beach and trail offer different ways to experience the area. Wellington State Park has the largest freshwater sand beach in New Hampshire's state park system. The Peninsula Nature Trail offers views of the lake as well as Cliff Island and Belle Island. To plan your visit around different perspectives, you can contrast the beach's shoreline views with those from the nature trail.
Lake Tarleton has an unsupervised swimming beach. Lake Tarleton State Park is intended for recreational activities; follow on-site notices about closures or restrictions. Check these notices before your visit so you can take the applicable conditions into account.
Mountaintops and Outdoor Activities
Loon Mountain Resort offers a range of activities on the mountain: visitors can hike through boreal forest to the summit. The ski area is listed as having more than 400 hectares of skiable terrain, along with 73 trails and glade areas. These figures may change as operations evolve; check the current numbers before your trip. Hiking and the ski area offer two different ways to experience the mountain, each with its own focus.
The Mount Washington Cog Railway offers another perspective on the mountains. It climbs through three climate zones to the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington. The number of climate zones describes a specific part of the journey, while the summit elevation provides a clear endpoint. The railway focuses on the ascent, while Loon Mountain Resort offers hiking and ski terrain.
Museums and Public Programs
The Hood Museum offers free public programs, including tours, lectures, workshops, and family days. They are open to everyone, and the program varies over time. For planning, the date of the particular event is therefore key. The Franconia Notch Branch of the New England Ski Museum is located at the base of the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. The Cog Railway Museum is free to visit. Together, these museums offer different ways to explore culture and mountain history, without requiring a visit to any one museum to shape your entire stay.
Breweries and Tastings
Local beer offerings are another possibility to explore. In Campton's Upper Village, Dam Brewhouse has a tasting room and beer garden. Tours at Woodstock Inn Brewery end with a tasting of several of its own beers. Facilities, dates, and offerings may change; check the latest information before visiting. This can help you decide whether you would prefer to visit a tasting room and beer garden or plan a tour followed by a tasting.
Discover more destinations: Plymouth, Lincoln, Ashland, Littleton, Bethlehem, Franconia, Waterville Valley, Alexandria, Campton, Thornton, Woodstock, Sugar Hill, Holderness, Hanover, Hebron, Lebanon, Lyme, Canaan.
For the broader travel overview: New Hampshire.
